Day 29

Saturday is always such a wonderful day! This one being day 29 in my fight to get fit is great because we are working (I keep saying 'we' when actually I'm not doing any of the work) to prepare our son's room for virtual high school.  He has a desk in the communal office where he plays his computer games with his friends, but he also needed a place where he could be on a different computer and study. We (there's that 'we' again) decided to build his learning space into half of his 10' closet. The project is no where finished, but the desk is up so I wanted to share how that looks.  Here are some photographs and a short video for your viewing pleasure, or not if you HATE poorly made videos...which this is...

I think this desk area is going to work perfectly for him. The whole family is looking forward to this new way of accomplishing school! In fact, I'd gladly go back to high school, if I could just be 16 again! No? Okay, well I'll stay where I am.  Mind you, I don't really want to get any older either. Oh, the ins and outs of life after 50.

Enough about the desk. I decided to do a little test and put some My Fit Foods side by side with some frozen meals. I want, very much, for there to be multiple options for feeding myself that does not involve fast food or eating my own cooking, which are both DANGEROUS! So, I had a frozen meal for lunch and taste wise it was pretty good. I then compared calories, and they were comparable to a MFF meal. Then came the preservatives and salt. Okay, colossal fail for the frozen meal. This was even a Healthy Choice meal! So, in a pinch would I buy that meal, probably, but I need to avoid pinches.

The day has been nice, but it's time to see it's end. Supper is over and as it has been extra hot, so I think an extra shower is in order. As it is Saturday, I think I'll make it a personal spa night. I can watch something on the iPad while I give my skin a good pampering! It will be nice. So, until day 30, sweet dreams, Sweeties!!

Day 28

How long does it take UPS to deliver a box? If it is a 5' tall, 37 lb. box containing a Rubbermaid Closet Organization system, it takes FORVER! Apparently my box that was put on a delivery truck at 6:29am Tuesday morning, is lost. Amazon has kindly sent a replacement, but I had to push for it. They wanted me to wait another week to see if UPStupid finds the box. You must be joking? Find it! They don't even want to talk to me about it. I started trying to think of how in the world they could have LOST this package and I suppose there are lots of places for a breakdown, but honestly! I wonder how much merchandise is lost (read 'stollen') just through shipping? I'm terribly afraid I would choke on the number. Thankfully, this is the first time this has happened to me, but I feel sorry for Amazon.com. They are out of pocket for two systems. I hope they can get some money back from UPStupid. (If you can't tell, I don't like UPS. Please use FedEx or USPS if you ever want your package to arrive.) So, that's been my afternoon; talking to UPStupid and Amazon.com about a missing shipment. Just what I wanted to do on my afternoon off. Well, not really, but I'm all about finding the happy in everything.

For the last couple of days I've been stuck in some terrible traffic and around some pretty bad drivers. I'm probably going to change my schedule again so that I can avoid these people. I really liked the 7-4 schedule, but sometimes I find it hard to get out of the office by 4. I'll just have to do better!

As day 28 is winding down, I can say that I'm happier than ever with MFF. I do want to stress that I'm still trying to figure out the best combination of foods for different days and am doing better at figuring it out. With snacks, added fruit and the meals, I figure I'm eating between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day. Some days it is actually less than 1,200 calories! Before I started this I did a little calculating and found that to be gaining weight at my then weight of 270 lbs. and at the rate I was gaining, I had to have been consuming more than 4,000 calories per day. It was easy to see that most days were more like 5,000 calories. So, when I say I can eat VOLUMES of food, please understand that I know what I'm talking about.

One of the things I'll be doing this weekend, is going through my local grocery store (HEB) and looking for all of the food that is pre-packaged in a single portions and determining if it is something I can use in future. For example, I really love salsa and chips. You can buy salsa by the jar and a bag of chips, but then we run into the Nancy problem: Portion Size. (My what big portions you have!) So, I learned that a company called Sabra produces a single serve salsa and chips with total calories of 120! If I can't get that I'm going to look for just single serve chips that are okay for me to eat and get some salsa and create my own single portion setups that I can keep in the fridge. A snack of 120 calories of chips and salsa would be real satisfying sometimes. I know there are other options out there that I've just been missing. I love the MFF, but I also want to be able to function nicely when MFF isn't available. That means I need to be a bit more savvy. So, I'll be working on that this weekend. Don't get me wrong, I'll also be stocking up on MFF to cover Saturday-Tuesday!

Funny to think that we Americans have always had to be reminded to keep fit. The poster above is from WWII and even with all that was going on back then, I'm sure there were people just like me who got out of control. I really do think I have a duty to get and stay fit for my family, friends, coworkers and others around me. It's real easy to think of obesity as just MY problem, but it isn't. It affects all of the people around me. Just like their smoking, drinking and other bad behaviors affect me. Now, I'm not saying that everyone should look at this like I do, it just helps me to think of the people around me. That's just how I'm wired. Honestly though, can you guys quit smoking and drinking, please? Remember, I asked nicely!

Today is walk on the treadmill day! I have a new mild brace for my left knee (the one I shattered 15 years ago) and I'm hoping that will help reduce pain in the left leg. My left hip is not as sore today as it has been over the last week, so I don't want it to wake up and start hurting again. As I walk I'll think of all you out there working along with me to get and stay FIT! Until day 29, sweet dreams, Sweeties!

Update:  Walked 31minutes and 48 seconds tonight on the treadmill!  Happy, happy, happy...

Day 27

We are swiftly approaching the 30 day mark. Not that it's all that important, as this will take as long as it takes, but 30 days is good. It says, "Nancy has the habit of eating with thought and exercising regularly." In the face of those facts, I don't want to screw it up!

Last weekend was a test of my ability to do the right thing, at least most of the time. I did okay. Not perfect, but okay. So, check! I can travel and not go berserk with food. What I didn't do is exercise and it was something I should have done. My sister would say that I exercised walking all over the place with her, but as we ALL know, it isn't the same. So, the days march on and I continue to work at this getting me where I should be thing.

As I'm working on this renovation of myself, I'm putting lots of thought into what I really want out of life. For so many years, I just wanted to survive. I felt like that was all I was ever going to be able to do,  so I got into the habit of surviving being enough. Then I had a child and I needed to think about making sure he has everything he needs. Now, it seems that with all the work I put into 'surviving' and raising my family and preparing for everyone's future, I'm finally in a place where I can relax long enough to consider what I really want out of life. So, what the heck do I really want?

Yes, you know I can't stand it and I HAVE to write a list! So, here is an initial list of what I want out of life  (I probably want more than this, but I have to have some secrets, don't I?):

I Want...

• ...a doctor to tell me that my blood work is NORMAL. (i.e. no high bad cholesterol, no pre-diabetes, no cancer indicators, NO NOTHING!)
• ...to be able to walk and walk and not think I'm going to pass out!
• ...my normal activity and approach to food to simply be normal and right.
• ...to blend in with the world because I'm NORMAL. (catching a theme here?)
• ...the experience of going into a normal store and selecting a normal sized clothing item off the rack and trying it on and it fits perfectly.
• ...the experience of wearing a beautiful fancy dress and not think people are saying to themselves, "She's really too fat for that look!"
• ...a life of quality that allows me to get around and experience new people, places and things without worrying what people are thinking of me.
• ...not to be sick because I'm fat.
• ...the people I love (and you know who you are) to be proud to be seen with me (and you know you aren't right now).
• ...my body to experience less pain because I'm not forcing it to carry 130 lbs. of extra me around!
• ...to know what it's like not to be judged by my fat.
• ...to fulfill my dreams (this is an entirely separate list) and no, I'm not telling you what those are!

I guess you could call this the start of a bucket list, but not really. The bucket isn't even in my thoughts! Most of my wants are not really tangible. I can't go and buy them or make them. All I know is that I can't seem to get any of these things that I really want, until I fix this overeating, food obsessed, lazy ass of mine!! "Wow! That's kind of harsh, Nancy," I hear you saying. I call 'em as I see 'em, honey! No one else can fix this problem. I have to change. It's like telling a depressed person to, "Snap out of it!" Well, so far, I haven't been able to snap out of my issues and make the changes stick. This time, I'm doing things differently with the 'sticky' part being the prime focus. I know now that I can't solve my eating issues, while trying to prepare 3 meals a day for my family. Maybe other people can do it, but I can't. I've proved I can't and so, I am no longer a good home cook.  In fact, I'm no cook at all. That avenue of pleasure has been closed off and we don't want it opened up again! Yes, cooking was a great pleasure, but not because of the act of preparing the meals! If you think that, you're wrong.  NOPE! I became and held onto being a good...no, GREAT cook, because it allowed me to eat. As the cook, I had to taste everything, didn't I? Of course! Yes, I admit it. I cooked because I wanted to eat and I only wanted to eat delicious food.  Oh, and yes, LOTS of it!!  Oh, I'm admitting lots today! So, I don't want to cook anymore, or even handle much food. I need the food to be ready for me to eat and so, MFF is what I use and they are GREAT! I will also use frozen when I need to, but all my food needs to be prepared for me.

The exercise is coming along nicely. I actually like exercising, but just prefer to do it outside. It's just too hot to do it here at the moment. I'm also working up to being able to be outside for more than 30 minutes walking. It will all be okay with the exercise...I have confidence.

So, I've spilt my guts (isn't that a pretty picture?) and now it's time to go get myself ready for rest. I had a tough night last night with leg/foot cramps that drug me out of bed several times. I don't know what's going on, but I'm sure it will all be okay. I will sleep well tonight...please let it be so! Until tomorrow, sweet dreams, Sweeties!!

Days 25 and 26

What is it with me lately that I skip a day of writing about what's going on around here! Yesterday I think it was...well...who knows what kept me occupied. Things are just always hoppin' here lately. The sad truth is that I am a hyper person who is easily distracted. So, my son, who is easily distracted, comes by his affliction honestly.

Before I get into anything else, just let me say this, My Fit Foods, just DO IT! This is the only way to eat. I LOVE IT! Food is finally what it's supposed to be. I'd write a list about what food has been to me, but I'll spare you that until later. I'm still identifying all the things I made food into besides what it is, nourishment.

I'm getting better at making the exercise regular. My goal is Monday/Wednesday/Friday 30 minutes of walking on the treadmill at 3 miles per hour. Well, goal one is that. I'm not there yet. For the moment I'm doing 20 minutes, but I'm getting there. This hip thing I'm dealing with is nasty and making me MAD, but it will be resolved. The weight is coming off! I can tell in my clothes and every day it is better.

This trip to healthy land is the last time I'm going to make the journey. That's because when I get there, I'm movin' in! In my faith we call our bodies temples. However, my temple was on the verge of being condemned! I want my temple to be a mansion!! All decorated with the healthiest skin, organs, hair, nails, teeth, joints...you name it!! My mansion/temple is going to be the envy of the other temple owners. Okay, so that's probably an exaggeration, but I have high aspirations!!

Yesterday and today were the two days back in the office after a couple of days off. You can only imagine what that was like. CRAZY!! I love taking off, but WOW the first couple of days back can be MURDER! Yet, here I am.  I successfully vanquished the email, solved problems and made nice as best I could. That's what I do, solve problems and make nice.

Now, the problem is to get myself to bed. I've determined that I need 9 hours of sleep each day to feel great and so, I'm going to go get those hours! Until the next blog, sweet dreams, Sweeties!

Day 24

Back to the normal routine, is how I would describe today. I awoke this morning at 6am, mainly because I had set an alarm on my cell phone to wake me up while I was away and forgot to disengage it.  Oops! So, I was awake whether I wanted to be or not. The morning was mainly about watching the boys groom the yard, which they did, beautifully. I took some video of how we've updated the front seating area and added a place to eat comfortably. It is really working well. Also, I was lucky enough to capture some video of a hummingbird taking advantage of the Compact Spicy Jatropha plant (Jatropha integerrima 'Compacta') and the special feeder put up just for them.  Enjoy the video!

  

The day is hot (at 4:48pm it is 99F degrees), but lovely on the front porch. I'm eating well and on plan with My Fit Foods in the fridge. Day 60 is when I will try on my black dress and see if I made it to my first goal point. I'm really tempted to go in and try the dress on now, but then I think it will either disappoint me or make me cocky. I'd hate to start thinking I can reach my goals in half the time because it will be sad when I don't make my benchmarks. So, I will wait for the right time, keep walking and eating as right as possible. Just remember, I'm not a machine! (That's what I tell myself when my nail art looks less than perfect!)

I sent away today for the packet of information that allows me, as a parent, to provide my child with driver training in the State of Texas. Apparently, this much harder than it used to be. My son will be 15 on his next birthday and it's time to start learning to be a safe Texas driver. Is there such a thing? Not in this town! People here drive CRAZY. Don't believe me? Hop on over to YouTube to my channel (you can search for Nancy Hemati) and watch any of my 'Commute' videos.  You'll see what I mean!

It's been a lovely day off of work and now it's time to do laundry and get ready for the rest of the week. Go look for someone like My Fit Foods (myfitfoods.com) in your area. They are wonderful and have really changed my life and how I think about food.  Until tomorrow, sweet dreams, Sweeties!

Day 21, 22 and 23

Apparently I cannot find time to write a blog posting when I visit my sister. Today is actually number 23 of the 365 days of this journey to better health. On Day 21 I was enjoying a day of shopping and visiting with my best girlfriend and sister, Gena. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without her. She and I are about 8 years apart, so we have had times in our lives when we weren't as close as we are today. That is as it probably is with most sisters. The whole weekend was just a big round of visiting, shopping and seeing the sights. I LOVED it, but was ready for home, too.

We used My Fit Foods while in Dallas (where my sister lives) and it was just as convenient and delicious as it is here in Austin. We also had lunch on Saturday at P.F. Chang's (I love that place) and really enjoyed the meal. I got lots of exercise walking and such and feel great! I can't wait until Gena comes to visit me next month!

I continue to have some pain in my hip. I stretch and stretch, but nothing seems to make it go away. The pain makes me walk funny and is causing my knee on that leg, ache. It is sad, but I'm quite a klutz and have been all my life. (My father always introduced me as his daughter who, "trips over puffs of smoke and blades of grass." I grew up surrounded by comedians.) Therefore, I've suffered several injuries to the leg attached to the currently achey hip. I shattered the patella on my left knee in 1990 and broke the left ankle in 2004 (actually, I broke both ankles in 2004...at the same time. Don't try this as it is really boring.) and now this hip. I'm concerned now that I may have awoken something in my hip that is not just an injury, but something else. So, yes, I'll go see a doctor about it. Regardless of what is going on, I will continue to work toward health. I'm thinking that there may be arthritis going on here. I hope not, but I'm just at a loss as to why it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

Tomorrow, day 24, I will be off work so that I can help my son get ready for school. He'll be attending a virtual high school and needs to complete an online orientation. The same for my husband. As learning coaches, we have to learn how it all works. We are very excited about the school and are looking forward to making it a GREAT experience for our son.

So, that's about it for now. Everything is going along well and I feel so much better, even with a painful hip. Thanks for checking in! I'm looking forward to tomorrow and what it will bring! Until then, sweet dreams, Sweeties!

Day 20

Almost 3 weeks and I'm still going strong here! Eating right is so much easier with My Fit Foods. Today was busy, but great. If you read yesterday's blog, you know I'm traveling tomorrow. A true test of learning is being thrust into a new situation and then applying what you've learned. This situation won't be all bad, as the location I'm traveling to has My Fit Foods! But, I won't be able to get every meal there like I do at home. So...I'll be using my 'portion control' learning from having 3 weeks of small MFF meals. They are not only helping me eat the right foods, but the right amount. This is a HUGE problem for me. So, all you restaurants out there, NOW HEAR THIS! I have a list of demands! (That's right!! Not even out of the first paragraph and I'm going to write a list!!)

My Restaurant Demands

1. I do not want my food stuffed full of high-fat ingredients. (Hold the cheese, please!)
2. I do not want my food FRIED! (May I please have that grilled? I'm asking nicely here!)
3. I do not want my food covered in salt. (I know, I know...I'm the only one.)
4. I do not want my food prepared with added sugar. (Ah Ha!! You thought I didn't know that you put SUGAR in your pizza dough so I'd eat more pizza, but I know.  Now, CUT IT OUT!)
5. I do not want my food portion super-sized!! (Please, make my food portion normal size and oh, by the way, normal size portions should come with a normal size price. MFF charges less for smaller portions!)
6. I do not want my food drowning in sauce. (MFF chefs, can you please explain to the restaurant chefs what I mean??)
7. I do not want my food to 'pretend' to be healthy! (In the words of Nike, "Just do it!"

I feel like Dr. Seuss! I will not eat them in a park, I will not eat them in the dark. I will not eat this nasty food, I will not eat...well, you get the picture.

Don't get me wrong, I still have the ability to eat VOLUMES of food. I think it was born in me. If you met my parents and family, you'd understand. Being that most of them are dead (yes, I'll be like the lunatic Ferdinand from the 'Duchess of Malfi' here and say, "Cover her face; mine eyes dazzle; she died young" as they all died, in my opinion, very young). I do not wish to be one of them! Having lost weight before, I know I can do it, but I also know that as soon as I try to eat my own food again, back comes the weight. The doctor says that the extra weight could lead to more cancer, so I want this off me! NO MORE CANCER!!! (By the way, if I haven't said this lately, cancer really stinks!!!) So, this time, I have nutritionists and chefs on my side!  Thanks, My Fit Foods!!!

Be sure to check over the weekend as I give some feedback on the My Fit Foods in Dallas. I hope they are just as good as my Austin chefs. Thanks for checking in on my nonsense! Have a great evening and until tomorrow, sweet dreams, Sweeties!